Hearing bugling from the tent

[JGH]

I fully expect to hear bugling in the middle of the night while trying to get some sleep in my tent this next week.

If you hear bugling in the early morning hours while you're still tucked-in, what's your strategy?

I always have a hard time sorting out just how far away a bugle is, but suppose it's within a 1/3 of a mile.

[>>>---WW---->]

Chances are, they are out feeding in a meadow. If you are within 1/3 of a mile like you said, get up before daylight. Forget about breakfast. Just grab your gear and head off. You can always eat after the morning hunt. Try to be there as soon as legal shooting hours permit. Watch the wind!!!!!!!!!!! Shoot straight!

[elkmtngear]

In about 5 days...I hope to be in this situation!

[Lefty]

Happened to me a week ago.
For an hour 2 groups were around me, the wind picked up, tent started flapping and the elk went quiet.
I thought I knew where they were headed, I worked the wind and got too far away from them. It didnt work out this time

[JGH]

Put it another way -- how close to a bull do you try to get in the dark?

[easeup]

what little I know is that it was too dark one morning to see thru the peep. and the wind finally got me busted and the bull trotted off before I could wait on the morning light. Lucky for me a second bull was still in the area and sounded off. I managed to keep the wind right on him and scored about 20 minutes later. so I know the fear of being busted when it s too dark to see where all of the players are.

[JohnFitzgerald]

Yep, get up and go. Be careful you don't get to close but you need to be in the general area so you can move in on them when it gets light. Do not call unless they go silent. They can and will come in to calls at night. Trust me on this one!

I rarely cow call at night. If you think they've moved on then break the silence with a location bugle. But be prepaired to move down wind if one comes your way.

[WindedBowhunter]

As others have stated, get out of your tent and setup for an ambush!

[Indian Summer]

Take your time. Spend enough time listening so you know if he's staying put or on the move. Make double sure you have the wind & get to within 100 yards. Once it gets light enough to see close the distance as much as possible.

[Lefty]

In the past in the dark from the tent or not Ive always tried to stay within hearing distance, and try to figure the direction they are headed. Early mornig no windwhat sounds 3/4 mile away may be only over the next ridge.

[Solitude]

Well, if you can hear them and they are remotely close I STRONGLY advise not breaking down your tent. Did it a few days ago before shooting and a bull came in on a string bugling to the sound of tent poles clicking/clinking....in hind sight I guess it sounded like two bulls locking horns. Man, I learn something new every trip!